The lengthening of the Christmas season, which is occurring earlier and earlier before December 25th each year, is diminishing the spirit of the season.

Each year, the day after Halloween marks the start of yule-tide spirit for avid Christmas enthusiasts. Decorated trees, bright lights, and Mariah Carey’s hit single all appear starting on November 1st.

This “creeping of Christmas” is largely due to merchants and retailers who use the holiday season as a time to profit. Christmas items in stores come out in November or even earlier, sometimes appearing on shelves in September or October. Consumers are pressured to buy gifts and to spend more money by starting the season earlier. Starbucks comes out with their seasonal Christmas cups and drinks in early November. It may help some get into the Christmas mood, but it is primarily for Starbucks to make as get as much profit as possible from consumers during this season. Merchandising has commercialized Christmas. We should not let this early start to the season make our Christmas materialistic. It can distract us from the true meaning of Christmas: spending time with family and spreading love, hope, and joy.

Don’t get me wrong – the joy, unity, and kindness that come wrapped in a bow during the Christmas season are attributes that would definitely benefit our community if they were to be shown all year round. But celebrating two months in advance means that by the time Christmas finally rolls around, the season can lose some of its magic and become over-anticipated, as well as commercialized, like mentioned above.

In addition, celebrating Christmas immediately in November nudges Thanksgiving aside. Although the spirits and emotions of the two holidays are similar, celebrating Christmas early tends to blend the two together completely and dismiss the unique traditions that are characteristic of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a special time to give gratitude for what we have. Although joyful, the Christmas season should not overshadow this important time of thanks.

So now, the question arises: when is it acceptable to start celebrating Christmas? Don’t let the commercial facet of the season get to you – save the Christmas celebration for December, when Thanksgiving is over and all focus can shift to merrymaking. December also marks the beginning of advent, a Christian season that is built around the preparation of the birth of Jesus on Christmas.

One month is enough time to fully revel in the special spirit of the Christmas season, while not letting Christmas drone on to become a mindless routine. Don’t let a long Christmas season tire out your spirits this year. Have a meaningful Thanksgiving, then celebrate Christmas season whole-heartedly after!